PTFE Pads
Custom Gaskets for Every Application
Stephens Gaskets is Your Reliable Supplier for PTFE Pads
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Bespoke Manufacturing
Instant Quote Service
Worldwide Delivery
Various Gauges/Thicknesses
Bespoke Manufacturing
Instant Quote Service
Instant Quote Service
Worldwide Delivery
Various Gauges/Thicknesses
Global Leaders in Shim Solutions
As a trusted provider of shim solutions, we serve OEMs and businesses globally.
At Stephens Gaskets, we are a proud supplier of PTFE pads that can be custom made to meet the needs of our customers. Moreover, our experienced team is equipped with the latest technology and machinery to manufacture high-quality washers that are built to last.
If you’re seeking high-quality PTFE pads with a quick turnaround, look no further.
Our reputation as the best in the business is well-deserved. With over 70 years of experience delivering top-notch products that meet both your budget and timeline. Our commitment to quality and efficiency is unwavering.
What are PTFE Pads?
PTFE pads, offered by Stephens Gaskets, are specialised components used primarily for their excellent resistance to chemicals and high temperatures. PTFE, or PolyTetraFluoroEthylene, is a type of high-performance plastic known for its outstanding properties.
These pads are commonly used in applications such as sealing, gasketing, and cushioning where the PTFE properties are required. They can be customised in various thicknesses and sizes to meet specific needs, making them a versatile choice for many industries, including automotive, aerospace, and chemical processing.
PTFE Pads Benefits:
Exceptional Chemical Resistance:
PTFE is virtually inert, which means it does not react with most chemicals. This property makes PTFE pads ideal for use in chemical processing industries, where exposure to aggressive substances is common.
High-Temperature Tolerance:
PTFE can withstand temperatures ranging from -200°C to +260°C (-328°F to +500°F). This broad temperature range allows PTFE pads to perform reliably in environments where other materials would degrade.
Low Friction Coefficient:
PTFE has one of the lowest coefficients of friction of any solid material. This feature is critical in applications requiring minimal resistance between moving parts, reducing wear and extending the life of both the pad and the counter surfaces.
Excellent Electrical Insulation:
PTFE pads are also excellent insulators, making them suitable for electronic and electrical applications where insulating properties are needed to prevent electrical interference or conduction.
Non-Stick Properties:
The non-stick nature of PTFE reduces issues related to material adherence, facilitating easier cleaning and maintenance in processes where sticky or viscous substances are handled.
Durability and Longevity:
The combined properties of chemical resistance, temperature tolerance, and low friction contribute to the overall durability and longevity of PTFE pads. They are less likely to need frequent replacement, thereby reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Moisture Resistance:
PTFE is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water and is resistant to moisture, which can be beneficial in environments where exposure to water or damp conditions is a concern.
Preferred Choice:
These benefits make PTFE pads a preferred choice in a variety of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, where their unique properties can be leveraged to enhance performance and reliability.
Looking for a PTFE Pads Supplier?
Stephens Gaskets is a leading supplier of high-quality PTFE Pads. With over 70 years of experience in the industry, we have a deep understanding of the needs of our customers. We commit ourselves to providing top-notch products and services for companies nation wide.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our PTFE Pads and how we can help you with your next project.
What are the applications of PTFE Pads?
PTFE pads have a wide range of applications across various industries due to their unique properties. Here are some of the key applications:
Chemical Processing:
In industries where chemical and corrosion resistance is crucial, PTFE pads are used as seals, gaskets, or linings in pipes and containers that handle corrosive substances.
Aerospace and Automotive:
Due to their ability to withstand high temperatures and their low friction properties, PTFE pads are used in components where heat and movement are factors, such as in gear assemblies, slide plates, and support bearings.
Electrical and Electronics:
PTFE’s excellent electrical insulation properties make these pads suitable for insulating and protecting sensitive electronic components in electrical appliances and circuit boards.
Food and Beverage:
The FDA-compliant, non-toxic, and non-reactive nature of PTFE makes it ideal for use in food processing equipment, where it can serve as a non-stick surface for heating plates, chutes, and conveyors.
Pharmaceuticals:
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, PTFE pads are used where high purity and inertness are necessary, such as in equipment that processes active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Mechanical Engineering and Construction:
PTFE pads are used in sliding bearings within structural beams or bridges, helping to accommodate movements and loads due to thermal expansion, vibrations, and other physical forces.
Petrochemical Industries:
The ability to withstand extreme environments makes PTFE pads suitable for use in oil and gas pipelines and refining equipment, where they function as seals and gaskets.
Medical Devices:
Their biocompatibility makes PTFE pads useful in various medical device applications, including those where implants or components come into contact with human tissue.
These applications highlight the versatility of PTFE pads, which are engineered to meet specific requirements in challenging environments, thereby enhancing the performance and safety of the systems in which they are used.
What are the thicknesses of PTFE Pads?
PTFE pads can be manufactured in a wide range of thicknesses to suit various applications and requirements. Typically, the thickness of PTFE pads can vary depending on the specific needs of the application and the manufacturer’s capabilities. Here are some common thickness ranges you might find:
Thin Pads:
These can start from as thin as 0.1 mm and go up to about 0.5 mm. They are often used in applications requiring fine sealing capabilities where minimal spacing is essential.
Standard Pads:
For general purposes, pads are frequently available in thicknesses ranging from 0.5 mm to 6 mm. These are suitable for a variety of sealing, cushioning and gasketing applications across different industries.
Thicker Pads:
In applications needing more robust support or where the pads must withstand higher loads, thicknesses might range from 6 mm up to 25 mm or more.
The available thickness may also depend on whether the PTFE pads are solid, filled, or expanded. Solid and filled PTFE can generally be made thicker, while expanded PTFE might be available in thinner configurations. Custom thicknesses can also be produced to meet specific requirements, ensuring that the pads fit precisely within the design tolerances of the application they are intended for. If you have a specific application in mind, checking with the manufacturer for customizable options might be beneficial.
Need Guidance on PTFE Pads?
Stephens Gaskets is a leading supplier of high-quality PTFE Pads. With over 70 years of experience in the industry, we have a deep understanding of the needs of our customers. We commit ourselves to providing top-notch products and services for companies nation wide.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our PTFE Pads and how we can help you with your next project.
What to Know Before Choosing Stephens Gaskets PTFE Pads
While PTFE pads offer numerous advantages, there are also some challenges associated with their use. Understanding these can help in anticipating issues and making more informed choices. Here are some of the common challenges associated with PTFE pads:
Cost: PTFE is generally more expensive than many other plastics and materials used for similar applications. The cost can be a significant factor, especially for large-scale or bulk applications.
Wear under load: Although PTFE has a low coefficient of friction and high wear resistance under normal conditions, under heavy load and high-speed conditions, it can wear out more quickly than some other engineering plastics.
Cold flow (Creep): PTFE is subject to cold flow or creep under mechanical stress over time. This means that it can deform gradually under constant load, which may affect the integrity of the seal or component in critical applications.
Thermal expansion: PTFE has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion compared to other engineering materials. This characteristic can lead to dimensional stability issues in environments with fluctuating temperatures.
Difficulty in bonding: PTFE is non-stick and chemically inert, properties that also make it resistant to bonding with other materials. Special surface treatments or specific types of adhesives are often required to bond PTFE to other surfaces.
Machining challenges: While PTFE is easy to machine compared to metals, it can be tricky compared to other plastics due to its softness and tendency to deform under heat. Proper machining techniques and tools must be employed to avoid imperfections and maintain dimensional accuracy.
Addressing these pain points typically involves careful selection of PTFE grades, considering filled or reinforced PTFE variants where appropriate, and designing with allowances for its unique properties. Collaboration with experienced manufacturers who can provide insights and custom solutions is also crucial to mitigating these challenges.
Call Us Today
If you need high-quality PTFE pads tailored to your specific requirements, contact us today! Our expert team at Stephens Gaskets is ready to help you find the ideal solution for your application. Call us now or fill in our contact form to discuss your needs.
Stephens Gaskets – Expert manufacturers of high-performance PTFE pads.